The popular band - which features Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen, but previously also included Jason Orange and Robbie Williams - rank among the best-selling British acts of all time, and they have admitted to being open to the possibility of turning their new musical, 'The Band', into a film.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror newspaper, Gary revealed: ''They came to previews of the show the other day. It's a possibility. We have never been involved in a film before - it would be a first.''

'The Band', which recently opened to critical acclaim at Manchester Opera House, tells the story of a group of boyband fans over the decades.

The show has already achieved the honour of becoming the fastest-selling musical of recent history, after tickets went on sale in April.

And Gary - who serves alongside Howard and Mark as an executive producer on the musical - revealed the production could end up on Broadway in New York if it continues to be warmly received by fans.

The 46-year-old star said: ''We never broke America as a band and it would be unthinkable, really. This show deserves a big stage.

''We would love to take it to the West End and then maybe Broadway.''

Robbie - who is also an executive producer on the project - missed the sell-out opening night because he was suffering from a slipped disc.

But the other members of the band, which was formed in 1990, did their best to ensure he was kept up to date with how the production was progressing.

Gary shared: ''We send videos with links right from the workshop stage.

''He has always been involved and knows what's going on. It's everyone's legacy. Not only Robbie but Jason, too.''